Philadelphia SEPTA Urges Safe Selfies, Not Track Photos
SEPTA warns riders to avoid railroad tracks for selfies ahead of National Selfie Day
SEPTA Warns Against Track Photos on Selfie Day
Philadelphia transit riders shouldn't risk their lives for social media photos, SEPTA officials said ahead of National Selfie Day on June 19. The transit authority issued a safety reminder warning people to stay off railroad tracks when taking selfies or photographs. Trespassing on tracks is illegal and extremely dangerous, as trains can approach quickly and quietly, officials said. SEPTA didn't provide specific statistics on track trespassing incidents in the announcement.
Social Media Drives Dangerous Photography Trend
The safety campaign addresses a growing nationwide concern about people venturing onto railroad tracks for social media content and photography, according to the transit agency. Railroad track trespassing has become an increasing problem as social media has popularized tracks as aesthetic backgrounds for photos. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, trespassing is a leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States. Transit agencies across the country regularly issue similar warnings about track trespassing, particularly around social media-driven photography trends.
Federal Law Prohibits Track Trespassing
Trespassing on railroad tracks is illegal under federal and state laws, with railroad property classified as private property where unauthorized entry constitutes a criminal offense. SEPTA emphasized that no photograph is worth risking safety or life, though the agency didn't detail specific penalties for trespassing on its property. The transit authority's announcement was issued as an institutional statement without attributed quotes from specific officials. Leslie S. Richards serves as SEPTA's General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, while Andrew Busch holds the position of Press Secretary and Director of Public Affairs.
Reminder Issued Ahead of June 19 Observance
SEPTA issued the safety reminder in June 2025 ahead of National Selfie Day, though officials didn't specify the exact announcement date. The warning comes as part of the agency's ongoing commitment to public safety and preventing accidents on transit property. SEPTA didn't reference specific recent incidents of track trespassing for photography when issuing this reminder.
Agency Urges Safer Photo Alternatives
Instead of risking a potentially fatal encounter with trains, SEPTA encourages photography enthusiasts to explore the many other beautiful and safe locations throughout the Philadelphia area for their pictures. The transit authority's message is clear: personal safety should always come first, no matter how appealing that perfect shot might seem. Riders can check Moovit for real-time SEPTA service information and station locations to plan safe travel throughout Philadelphia's transit system.
